The rates quoted are inclusive of 4 person occupancy and includes all cleaning fees.
Set in the little village of Casalini, near Panicale, this delightful apartment forms part of a small complex of ancient renovated agricultural buildings. It offers the very best of both worlds absolute relaxation in an idilic rural spot whilst giving easy access to some of Italy’s most important and spectacular cities.
The closest town is five miles away, the pretty medieval walled hilltop town of Panicale. Here you will find lovely sun dappled spots to enjoy people watching whilst sipping a Prosecco. In the summer there is live music to be found in the square, and there are wonderful views of Lake Trasimeno. Panicale proudly boasts the most exquisite little theatre, see if you can catch an opera there. Meanwhile, Castiglione del Lago is approximately eight miles away and this lovely walled town gives access to the lake. Take a ferry to one of the islands, fish or hire a pedalo. Alternatively you can sit at one of the lakeside bars. In the town itself there are a plethora of characterful places to eat and shop. Every Wednesday Castiglione del Lago hosts a busy market within its walls. In recent years the town hall has hosted exhibitions by Picasso, Miro and Chagall. It is here in Castiglione del Lago that you can hop on a train to get to places further afield-
Rome and Florence can be reached in about 1hr 16 minutes by train, whilst Orvieto and Arezzo are even closer. Trains are both efficient and cheap. Castiglione del Lago or alternatively Chuisi station are only 20 minutes from Casalini. Both stations have free parking.
The beautiful Tuscan town of Cortona, famous for "Under the Tuscan Sun" is a forty minute drive away, whilst Siena is a I hr 15 minute drive. The spectacular cities of Perugia and Assisi can be accessed within an hour. The walled Tuscan towns of Montepulciano (be sure to do wine tasting there!) and Pienza can be reached in an hour or thereabouts. For film buffs Montepulciano was used as a location for The Twilight Series- "New Moon". Pienza was used for scenes in "The English Patient" and Zeffirelli's "Romeo and Juliet".
The apartment enjoys its own large private garden with ancient olive trees and fabulous far reaching rural views.
In addition it shares a wonderful 15m pool which again has spectacular countryside views.
No.5's owners have creatively decorated and refurbished the first floor apartment. It benefits from fast free unlimited WiFi and the living space is equipped with a Pure bluetooth speaker. There is minimal light pollution and the skies are an astronomer's dream, we have therefore furnished the apartment with a telescope to please all those budding stargazers!
The kitchen/living room is a perfect space for cooking and socialising. This really is a cooks kitchen with every tool, pan and platter you may need to create a feast. A contemporary wood burning stove has been installed to snuggle up to when winter comes calling.
Guests may also like to use the exclusively owned ancient pizza oven which forms part of the exterior staircase and was originally used to cook all the food for the extended farming community. Create stone baked pizzas or cook up a barbecued feast, the choice is yours!
The apartment has two bedrooms. The master bedroom is large and airy, with a super king bed and good storage. It enjoys dual aspect views. What could be more lovely than waking up to chirping birds in the olive tree and going to bed with a sky full of stars! The second bedroom is petite, but has a stylish new standard double bed and storage. It also rejoices in the olive tree starlit view. Both beds are dressed with Designers Guild bed linen and all seasons quilts. A new travel cot, high chair and Maclaren buggy are available on request. There are collections of toys, games and books to suit both young and old.
An attractively tiled shower room with loo, basin and bidet, completes the property.
Just outside the front door a Romeo and Juliet balcony provides the perfect place to enjoy breakfast or indeed a glass of Sangiovese! Down the stone staircase, which incidentally is equipped with a child gate, the large private garden is a great space to relax in the swing chair or hammock, and for children to play hide and seek. There is a wonderful atmospheric hedged spot to dine alfresco. An ancient oak provides the ideal spot to escape the sun and to read a book in a stone edged nook. The peace and views are indescribably beautiful throughout the march of the seasons.
For sun worshippers, No5 has provided its guests with four sun-beds, parasols and beach towels. The pool is cleaned professionally on a daily basis during the summer. A bocce pitch (the Italian equivalent of boules) has recently been added and is sited near the pool.
Please note that if you wish to holiday with other family/friend groups it may be possible to book another property within the same small complex.
If you manage to tear yourself away from the pool, there are some gorgeous places to visit during your stay, including good walks right on the doorstep.
A small waterpark is found at nearby Tavernelle, meanwhile equestrian fanatics, golfers, walkers and cyclists are also well catered for locally. You can also hire Vespa Scooters for that traditional Italian experience.Throughout Umbria there are numerous excuses for towns and villages to host a fest, be it saffron, truffles, tulips, bread, chocolate or olive oil - wonderful!
A handbook of recommended places to visit together with favourite eating haunts is available at No5. Of course we hope you will go on your own voyage of discovery. The apartment has a wicker hamper full of useful guide books to delve into.
Airports Perugia 45 minute drive to Borgo degli Olivi
Pisa a 2 hour 20 drive
Rome a 2 hour 15 drive
Bologna 2 hour 15 drive
Driving Calais to Borgo Degli Olivi approximately 1,500km one way
Parking There are two allocated spaces on site. Specific details will be notified on booking.
Wifi Unlimited free access to wifi.
Music Pure Bluetooth speaker system compatible with most smart phones and tablets available.